Instrumentation radar system tested

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 3 (UPI) -- A new instrumentation radar system that provides enhanced tracking and flight information on multi-stage test missiles as successfully demonstrated.

The XSTAR demonstration was conducted by General Dynamics C4 Systems and STAR Dynamics Corp., which have teamed modernize instrumentation radar systems on military and government test ranges.

"The XSTAR system revolutionizes the instrumentation and data-collection capabilities for ranges responsible for testing airborne products and weapon systems using next-generation radar systems," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.

"This one system performs the job of multiple radar systems, which makes the XSTAR radar an extremely cost-effective choice for test ranges modernizing their capabilities."

XSTAR tracks and collects detailed test data on one or more flying objects that require time, space and position measurements used for system test and evaluation. The system is comprised of an advanced software-based architecture that includes commercial off-the-shelf equipment. As such, individual units can be customized for customer needs.

In the recent demonstration XSTAR radar tracked and recorded a test missile traveling more than 5,000 mph through all three stages of deployment.

"This successful demonstration benchmarks an exciting new chapter in STAR Dynamics' long history of developing and delivering leading-edge instrumentation radar technology," said R. Jerry Jost, president and chief operating officer of STAR Dynamics.

"Working with General Dynamics, we can significantly reduce the cost of test range operations while significantly improving the quantity and quality of the data collected during an evaluation."